Society

Traditional marriage comes under further attack

There is a bill tabled in the Senate that seeks to recognise marriage between "any two people", therefore allowing for homosexuals unions to be recognised as marriage. The private members bill, called the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009, was introduced by Greens MP, Senator Sarah Hansen-Young. The bill "seeks to remove all discrimination from the Marriage Act 1961 on the basis of sexuality and gender and to permit marriage regardless of sexuality and gender identity." The effect of the bill would be to reverse important amendments made to the Marriage Act in 2004.

If passed, the bill would allow two men, or two women, to “marry”. It would radically change what marriage means in Australia. Most Australians understand why marriage deserves state recognition, protection and promotion. Eight million Australians are currently married, changing the status quo on marriage would be ignoring the overwhelming majority.

The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee is holding an inquiry into the Marriage Equality Bill with submissions called for from interested parties. The closing date for these submissions is Friday 28th August 2009. 5 years ago, a record number of submissions were made to support the definition of marriage, but this time, “marriage equality” activists are very well organised and have considerable sympathy. Your help is therefore needed in opposing the bill. Can you help?

All you need to do is send a short email by Friday 28 August to legcon.sen@aph.gov.au In the subject line at the top, put “Marriage Equality Bill”. In the email itself, write your message. It can be detailed, or very simple. Be sure however to include your name and street address, with postcode.

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